Birth date: Dec 21, 1929 Death date: Mar 2, 2014
John C. Holeman, loving family man, inspiring teacher and supporter of music, passed away on March 2nd, 2014. John was born on December 21, 1929, in Grundy Center, Iowa, and along with helping out on the family farm, he participa Read Obituary
Linda and I loved John! He was always so friendly and nice when we first started going to church we miss seeing and talking to him and etc. He would always say Nice to see you here again please come back So we did! His wife Marsha is a doll too. RIP John we miss you and know your are in Heaven! Posted by Skip and Linda Campbell - Centerville, IA - friend! March 06, 2015
my Freshman year in Centerville Highschool Band was when Mark Kelly was band director. Mark left that year and John came to Centerville to take over the Band directors position. He had a big pair of shoes to fill when mark Kelly left and he was up to the challenge. He was a good and caring teacher who recognized students for their accomplishments as well as their failures. He never refused to help a student no matter the problem. He was an inspiration to me to always strive to do my best! Thank you John Holeman! Posted by Barry Buchanan - ottumwa, IA - Former student August 27, 2014
I truly enjoyed playing in the What Cheer Winds concert band with John. I usually sat next to him in the low woodwinds section and appreciated his sense of humor and wonderful musical abilities. He was always willing to help me if I needed a bit of coaching on my parts. Posted by Barbara B Glime - Vinton, IA - fellow musician March 23, 2014
Mr. Holeman directed me for only four years, yet he left indefinable symphonies within me and influenced my musical life forever! He taught me more than just percussion, rhythms, lyria, and music appreciation with exposure to all varieties of music; I learned to play and march in unison and the power of group cooperation for the betterment of all in band, and such goes the March of Life. Never an early riser, he made arriving at school on M-W-F or practices after school bearable with his easy smile and quick wit.When conducting, he was everywhere. Head bobbing, one eye scrutinizing every band member, the other eye on his score, while giving proper sign language signals for forte or crescendo, and never missing a beat. He had perfect pitch and played every instrument in his band. What an accomplished multi-tasker! Our percussion ensemble got first place every year! See hard work pays off, he'd say, however, my learned realization was pure music enjoyment from one who loved his life's work. He had indefatigable, contagious energy. Over the years, when we would meet, he always knew my name, rank, state, year of graduation and would quip about something fun from those years. How did he remember so much about so many Now Mr. Holeman is directing in Heaven, where there are no flat or # notes and rhythms are always played perfectly. Can't you just see him marching along with all the angels, giving new meaning to When The Saints Go Marching In and blowing his whistle to keep the angels in proper time. Thank you my Centerville Music Man for a lifetime of appreciative melodies. Save a pair of mallets for me up there, .........and a one and a two.Forevermore,Nancy BarbagliaMentor Headlands, Ohio Class of 70 Posted by Nancy S. Barbaglia - Mentor Headlands, OH - Piano, Guitar, and Percussionist March 15, 2014
This week I was greatly saddened to hear of John's passing. Music was a huge part of my youth and John Holeman drove the passion to be excellent, and to have fun while doing your best! My thought and prayers go out to friends and family and that the many memories of the good times outweigh the pain of loss. God's peace, Ed Posted by Ed Thamke - Helena, MT - Former student March 14, 2014
Marlin Woollums and I would like to send our prayers and thoughts to you and your family. John was held in considerable respect by both of us and we're both very sorry to see him pass. He left a proud legacy of music to a lot of fine students. He'll certainly be missed. Posted by Marlin Woollums and Steve Miller - Ottumwa, IA - Friend March 12, 2014
My deepest condolences to Marcia and the girls. I had the privilege of being in the band when a very young Mr. Holeman dared to step into the shoes of the great Chief. I was a junior when he arrived and remember now how well he handled that transition, honoring his predecessor and at the same time making the band and its members his students. He didn't compete with a ghost rather he was true to who he was and made us realize that we gathered around our love for the music. Wow did he help us to love music and to feel as if it belonged to us. I was never the best, or even close to the best musician in his bands but that never seemed to make any difference to Mr. Holeman. He helped all of us become better musicians and better lovers of music. Strangely my favorite memories of time with Mr. Holeman were those hot summer evening municipal band practices and concerts were he seemed free to be a true music man. John, strange I never called him that in person, taught us all those years ago that life goes on even when we experience great loss. I know now that his faith was the anchor that guided him and by his witness we learned the lesson. My prayer today is that we will all remember that lesson as we thank God for our time with John and the promise that we will be united with him again through the Resurrection we will celebrate this Easter. Posted by Rev. Tom Brewer - Shawnee, KS - Student and friend March 12, 2014
My condolences to Marcia, Ann and Kay. John put me out in front of the band for a saxophone solo in front of students at an assembly at Ottumwa High School. Although common place today this was almost unheard of back in 1967. ( John was ahead of his time ) I was really nervous. Some how with his encouragement and his faith in me we got through it and breaking me out of my comfort zone then, was an invaluable lesson. I know John had an impact on so many lives through the years. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers. Posted by Rick Coy - Columbia, MO - Student and Neighbor March 11, 2014
